3 things to know about making a USA Student Visa

Visas can be a difficult painful process if not done carefully. However, instructions are clearly posted on their website and I found this video online - posted by the embassy itself. It's pretty helpful to  briefly understand the process. So here is a mini list to ensure your interview day goes as planned.

1. Prepare your documents before the actual day.

• List of documents needed here

For students an additional document is the I-20 form. Ensure that all sections are signed (for mine there was a section for myself - the student and a section for a parent/guardian).

"Once your visa appointment is over, make sure you photocopy every important piece of paper, or scan and save all of your forms to a hard drive.

Losing any piece of visa paperwork can land you in a mess, but the process of fixing that problem will be made marginally easier if you have at least one backup copy of all of your required forms. Keep everything together in a big folder, save copies on a hard drive and, of course, try not to lose any of the originals." (source)

2. Find out the address of the USA embassy in Malaysia - if you are not familiar already KL roads can be very congested during rush hour. Try to leave as early as possible if you are travelling from outside KL town.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d3983.771245030069!2d101.72250000000001!3d3.1549220000000004!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31cc37ccb3d75de5%3A0x35ef9bae897fc68d!2sUS+Commercial+Service%2C+US+Embassy!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1417143417545&w=400&h=300]

US Commercial Service, US Embassy

376, Jalan Tun Razak

50400 Kuala Lumpur

Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

malaysia.usembassy.gov

+60 3-2168 5000

3. Be prepared to wait - or not to. Every applicant has to go through a different waiting time. If you're easily restless - don't forget to bring some form of entertainment, puzzles, crosswords etc. because you will not be allowed to bring a mobile device into the premises.

---

My interview day:

So I was instructed to arrive only 10 minutes earlier than the time stated (0850 hrs). However, when I arrived people were already queuing up so the guard informed me that those with the 0850 appointment can line up already.

1. Handed in my appointment confirmation paper & my IC in exchange for a green visa pass.

2. We had to go through a security check point. Handphones are to be left at this check point. The guard will ask you to write down your details and give you a Number Card so don't worry about bringing a hand phone. You can collect it after your interview at the EXIT counter. If you're really paranoid you should just leave it behind.

3. Inside, a guard will give you a waiting number (this is given according to your category - student VISA is categorised A) and a green sheet of paper to inform you what documents you need to submit. You are given time - a short waiting period to prepare the following documents for submission:

• appointment confirmation letter


• DS-160 confirmation page


• current passport


• the green sheet of paper


• VISA 2x2 photo (white background)

The process includes 3 steps:

1. Documentation


2. Biometrics


3. Interview

Documentation: Your number will be called and someone will check and receive your documents at the counter. (You go back and wait again for your number to be called)

Biometrics: Again, your number will be called. This time you will be scanning your finger prints. First - four fingers (excluding thumb) left hand. Then, right hand also four fingers. Finally both thumbs together. They will check your prints immediately - if it is fine you may leave. (You go back and wait again for your number to be called)

Interview: 
So I got interviewed by a really nice lady. Our conversation went somewhat like this:
Me: Good morning.
Lady: Hi morning, so why are you going to the USA?
Me: I'm going there to study.
Lady: What was your last school/college?
*Hands in Foundation certificate, IELTS results, Shell sponsor letter (with financial statement), and OU offer
Me: I finished my foundation last December, I took a gap year.
*Lady looks away from computer, looks at me.
Lady: Oh really? Why did you take a gap year?
Me: I was applying for a scholarship - I am sponsored by Shell Malaysia *points to Shell letter
Lady: Oh really?? (At this point she was so excited) That's so cool, so how much are they paying? Are they covering all your fees?
Me: Yeah, they are please look at the last page, all the financial details are there.
Lady: Wow, that is so cool. Was it hard?? To get the scholarship? What did you have to do?
Me: Yea it wasn't easy. We had to go through three stages (and I talked a little bit, I don't know why I was feeling nervous but I didn't say much lol)
Lady: Cool, so you are studying Petroleum Engineering. How many ladies are in this field?
Me: Uhmm, I'm not very sure, but if I'm not mistaken there are three of us going overseas.
Lady: Oh, I see, cause you don't find a lot of ladies doing this nowadays. Do you have any family members or relatives in the US?
Me: Yeah, I have a brother in Arizona State University.
Lady: And is he sponsored like you too?
Me: Nah, my Dad is sponsoring him.
Lady: So your Dad must be really happy you're getting this huh? Well all the best and congratulations you've passed the interview. Your visa will be sent to your address within two working days.
Me: Alright, thank you! Have a nice day!
Lady: You too!

So the lady was really really nice. She's probably only 20 something. Anyways, this happened on a Friday. The next week on Tuesday I received my passport from Aramex. The courier they use. So everything was settled in three working days.

Thats it for now! Wrote this post way on Friday itself but I couldn't find time to post it till now lol. Ok. Till then!

Malaysian Applying to study in the USA (without an AUP / ADP / A Levels) part 1

Hello! :)

I've recently successfully applied to universities in the United States. Frankly, applying and being accepted into a university in Australia and UK, I have to say that the US system varies in many ways. Anyway, here is a short list of things you should know about applying to study in the states:

1. It can be very costly.
2. In USA, every university has their own requirements.
3. Timezones
4. Time



1. It can be very costly.
For an international student, most universities charge an application fee of $90.00 ($90 x 3.3 = MYR297). So if you want to keep your options open its MYR297 x (no. of options).

Next, you will need a proof of English Language Proficiency. This may vary depending on what exam you took or choose to take. For me I took the IELTS and it cost around MYR600.

Also, postage. Mailing official documents can be costly. However the cheapest option i've found so far is the local post - Pos Laju Malaysia. An envelope with the required documents will cost MYR 81.25. This cost covers insurance, tracking number and is basically quite reliable. The documents will arrive within 3 to 7 working days. So again, for more options, sending documents to different universities will cost MYR 81.25 x (no. of options).

SAT/ACT requirement, $51.00 ($51.00 x 3.3 = MYR 168.30) I don't know if anyone got in without sitting for this. Do tell me if you do, but sitting for either one of these tests allows you to avoid hassles and complications of you application.

Medical check up - This is only required after you are admitted. But I am pretty confident that most of you guys will get into a uni. So it is better to do it earlier. Get it out of the way so you can settle other things. The jabs are around MYR150 and the x-ray for TB can cost around MYR45 or more (depending on your Dr). Total: MYR 195.00. Basically you need at least two hundred to ensure you fulfil their requirements.

AFTER accepting the offer:

•  you will receive your I-20 to apply for a VISA.


• you will be able to apply for housing (most unis charge a fee to apply for a contract - again this is general and does not apply to all universities)

Visa -
SEVIS fee: $200 x 3.3 = MYR 660
VISA fee: $160 x 3.30 = MYR 528
Total:                            MYR 1188

Housing fee -
$40 x 3.3 = MYR 132

Estimated total for applying to two schools:
APPLICATION FEE:              MYR 594       ( 297 x 2 options )
IELTS:                                         MYR 600
POSTAGE:                                MYR 162.50 ( 81.25 x 2 options )
SAT:                                             MYR 168.30
MEDICAL CHECK UP:          MYR 200.00
VISA:                                          MYR 1188.00
HOUSING FEE:                       MYR 132.00       
TOTAL:                                     MYR 3044.80

I have not considered everything in these brief paragraphs. This is merely a rough estimate - so hopefully it will help. As we can all see, it adds up to a pretty hefty sum! (Yes i'm broke now, thanks Dad for paying the rest)

2. In USA, every uni has their own requirements.
Although somewhat similar, some universities may vary in certain aspects. For example, one of my options was University of Texas, (UT) Austin. While the other unis requested for official hard copies of academic records, UT wanted it in PDF form - uploaded into their system.

Be very careful. I wasn't aware earlier, but fortunately I managed to upload my documents.

3. Timezones
So the USA has a timezone that is entirely different than in Malaysia. Be aware of that when corresponding with the university admissions board. Depending on which timezone you are planning to apply to but generally evening onwards our time would be their opening hours. So be prepared for late nights!

4. Time
Yes time. The earlier you apply the better. Give yourself time for unexpected delays and what not - being continents away it is only convenient to do so. If you are considering studying inhttp://sat.collegeboard.org/, you should look into the intakes immediately. Start your application as soon as you are sure you are leaving! The best is 6 months. However I manage to settle mine in around 2 months - so it is still possible but MAN it was so hectic and rushed! Nobody likes to rush, so plan ahead!

I hope you have a brief perception of what you have to do/prepare when applying for a University in US. I wish you all the best when applying. I hope you get into a school you want!

Till then! Part two here.